5 Activities Seniors with Impaired Vision Can Enjoy

By Erik Gans, 9:00 am on March 23, 2017

Many seniors find their eyesight is not what it once was, whether it is due to aging or a disease. This can lead to feelings of isolation as they lose the ability to do activities they once enjoyed. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to have a good time while living with limited vision.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Milford, CT, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

1. Singing and Dancing

Seniors in their 60s, 70s, and beyond have lived through several decades of new music, and chances are there is a specific artist, genre, or era that brings a smile to their faces. In addition, good vision is not required to enjoy good music. If your loved one has good mobility, clear out a space where he or she can dance alone or with a partner. Not only can this be fun, but it is also a good exercise. This activity may even prompt your loved one to recall memories from the time when he or she first heard the music.

2. Card and Board Games

A game of cards, Scrabble, or dominoes may be challenging for the visually impaired to play, but there are some games that can be modified to make them easier to see. Buy cards with larger and bolder print and contrasting colors. Your loved one can play rummy or bridge, which can also help sharpen his or her mind. Games can also help stave off depression and enhance social skills. Scrabble is available with bolder and larger print tiles. Sometimes extra lighting can help your loved one see better.

3. Going to the Movie Theater

If your loved one does not get out much, consider taking him or her to a movie. Many major theater chains offer devices for the visually and hearing impaired that make the experience as exciting as possible for those with disabilities. This is also a great way to bond with family members of all ages.

4. Gardening

Being outdoors can stimulate all the senses. Your loved one can feel the sun on his or her skin, smell the flowers in bloom, and hear the birds chirping. Help your loved one start a raised garden bed or encourage him or her to grow flowers, vegetables, and herbs in containers. Home-grown produce may even encourage your loved one to adopt a healthier diet.

5. Audiobooks

Reading may be difficult for a senior with limited vision, but there are several options to help him or her keep up with this hobby. Most mainstream books are available in large print in bookstores and online. Audiobooks are also a great option. Some services offer a discount on monthly purchases of audiobooks. Most libraries also offer a selection of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and books on tape and CD. Turn a trip to the library into a fun outing and help your loved one choose from his or her favorite genre.

Make sure your loved one has the support he or she needs to enjoy fun activities. Find out how a Milford, CT, caregiver can help your senior loved one enjoy a higher quality of life by reaching out to Home Care Assistance. All of our professional respite and live-in caregivers are trained in comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care, and they can also assist seniors with basic daily tasks like exercise, cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping.

Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Milford families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.Call (203) 444-8575 to speak with a friendly Care Manager to find out about our flexible care plans